With Apple’s “Awe Dropping” event just around the corner, new leaks are shedding light on the iPhone 17 lineup’s battery capacities — and there are some surprises.
According to information shared by leaker ShrimpApplePro on X, sourced from a Chinese regulatory database, almost every model in the upcoming range will get a larger battery compared to the iPhone 16 series.
However, the rumored iPhone 17 Air could be an exception, offering a much slimmer frame but lower capacity.
Rumored battery capacities
| Model | Without eSIM | With eSIM | Change vs iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 | 3,692mAh | 3,692mAh | +3.7% |
| iPhone 17 Air | 3,036mAh | 3,149mAh | –33% (vs 16 Plus) |
| iPhone 17 Pro | 3,988mAh | 4,252mAh | +18.7% |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | 4,823mAh | 5,088mAh | +8.6% |
If accurate, the iPhone 17 Pro Max would be Apple’s first iPhone to cross the 5,000mAh mark, a milestone for users seeking all-day endurance.
Why the iPhone 17 Air is different
Unlike its siblings, the iPhone 17 Air may ship with significantly less capacity than the iPhone 16 Plus. Analysts say this is due to its ultra-slim frame. However, reports by TrendForce suggest Apple will compensate by introducing silicon anode battery technology, which binds lithium more efficiently than traditional graphite. This allows thinner batteries to still deliver higher energy density.
The silicon anode design could make the Air a test bed for Apple’s future foldable iPhone, where ultra-thin batteries will be essential.
eSIM trade-off
Curiously, models with eSIM-only configurations appear to feature slightly larger batteries. Analysts believe Apple is using the space freed by removing the SIM tray to expand capacity — a first for the company.
Will bigger batteries mean longer life?
Experts caution that larger capacity doesn’t always equal longer life, as new features may demand more power. Internal Apple tests reportedly showed that only 60–70% of iPhone 17 Air users could get through a full day without recharging, compared to 80–90% on other iPhones.
Reports also indicate Apple might launch a dedicated battery case to offset any concerns.
All eyes now turn to Apple’s keynote, where the tech giant is expected to officially unveil the iPhone 17 lineup and clarify whether the leaked battery innovations — particularly the silicon anode breakthrough — will deliver on endurance without sacrificing design.
